You wrote a novel, and want to share it with the world. Where do you begin?

Submit / query your work cold turkey?

Wrong!

Begin with "DITCH THE AGENT - The Book for Writers". This no-nonsense book was written in response to hundreds of comments and questions from writers who are frustrated with, or clueless about the North American publishing industry. It answers the most pressing questions on every aspiring author's mind: from creating query letters, and approaching literary agents and editors, to submitting a manuscript, dealing with rejections, and finding contact information for those elusive editors. See the entire process, in-depth, from the perspective of a published author - an invaluable first-hand experience that will save you time and aggravation, and help secure a publishing deal with a traditional book-publishing house.

DITCH THE AGENT is intended for writers who seek to publish their work with traditional publishing houses, however, all writers are encouraged to read this book, including those who are toying with the idea of self-publishing.

1 - INTRODUCTION
Books on getting published - why are they not helpful and what makes this one stand out; where the author makes a point that the vast majority of books on getting published, finding an agent, etc., are written by agents or editors, and with their authors' interest in mind; none are representative of the reality of a writer in pursuit of publication.

2 - FOREPLAY
How to become noticed by the object of your pursuit: the magic of manuscript preparation, common errors made by newbie writers, and tips on making the manuscript stand out of a pile of clones.
• For fiction writers
• For non-fiction writers

3 - BAIT AND TACKLE
Why a query letter is more important than a book. Query and Synopsis, what works, and why create several different queries and synopses.
• Anatomy of a query letter
• A Synopsis

4 - CHOOSING THE RIGHT PARTNER
Agents vs. Editors. Does a writer need an agent? The folly of following and believing in advice found in agent-penned help books.
• What is an editor?
• What is an agent?
• Ditching the Agent

5 - WOOING
Getting an agent / editor to fall in love with the manuscript. Benefits and disadvantages of querying by email and traditional post. Guerilla tactics to increase chances of receiving a rejection request to submit a manuscript.
• Careful targeting
• Email or Snail Mail?
• When they do not return your affection
• When all efforts fail - basic psychology at work
• It's all about SEX
• Keeping track of your affairs
• Making it easier
• Unconsumed relationship fever
• It's all about SEX
• Pleasing yourself

7 - CONTRACTING REJECTIONITIS
The consequences of the fatal attraction. What are rejections? Are they terminal? How to cope with rejections and not allow doubt to kill creativity.
• Sample cures for rejectionitis
• Collection of authentic rejection letters

8 - THE PRENUP
The importance of negotiating publishing agreements, and why doing it yourself is not black magic.
• Points to consider before signing an agency agreement
• Points to consider before signing a publishing agreement
• A Publishing Contract example

9 - THE MORNING AFTER
When the excitement dies down; what to expect after the contracts are signed, and how to be your own publicity manager.
• What to expect when you expect [to be published]